Practice Areas
What Happened with Valsartan Medication Lawsuits?
If you or a loved one has taken the blood pressure and heart failure medication Valsartan (Diovan), you may be at risk for complications and life-threatening conditions. There are dozens of products containing Valsartan that have been recalled by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), due to possible contamination with substances N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and/or N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which are classified as probable human carcinogens per the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Valsartan has been linked to liver damage and malignant and benign kidney and liver tumors. The longer a patient has used contaminated Valsartan, the greater the likelihood of the patient experiencing complications.
Products that have been recalled due to NDMA impurity include those manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals (labeled as Major Pharmaceuticals and Actavis LLC) and Prinston Pharmaceuticals (labeled as Solco Healthcare LLC). Other products include AvKARE (Teva/Actavis), RemedyRepack Inc. (Prinston/Solco), A-S Medication Solutions LLC (Teva/Actavis & Prinston/Solco), Bryant Ranch Prepack Inc. (Teva/Actavis), H J Harkins Company Inc. dba Pharma Pac (Prinston/Solco), Northwind Pharmaceuticals (Teva/Actavis), Hetero Labs, Inc. (labeled as Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). NuCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Prinston/Solco), RemedyRepack, Inc. (Hetero/Camber), and Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited.
If you or someone you know has used Valsartan and has experienced new medical problems, contact your physician. You may receive a recommendation to stop taking Valsartan if it may have been contaminated.
What Are the Facts About Valsartan?
- In May 2018, the European Medicines Agency began reviewing medicines with Valsartan supplied by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals, a Chinese company which detected NDMA in the Valsartan it supplied to manufacturers in Europe. More than 20 European countries issued recalls as a result of the investigation.
- In July 2018, the FDA announced a voluntary recall of medicines containing Valsartan.
- In August 2018, Hetero Drugs in India recalled some batches of Valsartan in the United States, due to finding excessive levels of NDMA.
- In September 2018, the FDA discovered that batches of Valsartan manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals contained NDEA.
- In October 2018, the FDA posted laboratory test results with NDMA levels for recalled Valsartan products.
What Are the Dangers Associated With the Blood Pressure Medication Valsartan?
Valsartan is a prescription drug that has been used to treat heart conditions like hypertension, as well as high blood pressure and ventricle dysfunction. Patients who have been using Valsartan since 2012 may experience complications due to manufacturing contamination. Some of the complications a patient may experience include:
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney tumors
- Stomach cancer
- Intestinal tract (colo/colorectal) cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Liver injuries, like liver fibrosis and scarring
- Pancreatic caner
- Bladder caner
In addition to being a dangerous carcinogen, NDMA can be poisonous. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, NDMA has been used to poison people, who experience severe liver damage and internal bleeding before dying.
Some side effects to be aware of that may stem from complications with Valsartan include:
- Abdominal pain
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Back pain
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Increased blood creatinine
- Jaundice
- Viral infection
While you should never stop taking your medication before talking to your physician, it’s vital to speak with your doctor right away if you’ve been prescribed Valsartan to learn what dangers you may have been exposed to. You should also be aware of symptoms like these. If you’ve experienced any, it may be a result of taking Valsartan.
Are You Entitled to Compensation After Taking Valsartan?
Prescription drug manufacturers have a duty to keep those who use their products safe. When a defect in the manufacturing process occurs, like what has happened with the Valsartan contaminations, the results can be deadly and result in prolonged suffering and financial burdens.
If you have developed cancer or another medical complication due to taking Valsartan, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical treatment
- Doctor’s appointments
- Lost income due to time off work because of illness
- Pain and suffering
The statute of limitations places limits on how long after suffering occurs that a lawsuit may be filed. That’s why it’s essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to learn your rights and pursue a claim if you have been seriously harmed due to pharmaceutical manufacturer negligence.
Contact Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C. if you have taken Valsartan and have developed medical complications. We represent clients across the country. We’ll review your case for free and we work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless your case is won. Please call (205) 322-8880 to talk with one of our representatives today.
You should contact an Alabama construction accident lawyer if you suspect you have a legal claim. As with all personal injury cases, there are filing deadlines associated with construction accident lawsuits. Any delay could cause you to miss the filing window, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need representation.
Construction accident cases require attorneys who are experienced in construction accident litigation and who are extremely familiar with the state and federal regulations covering the safe work practices in this industry.If you were involved in a Birmingham construction accident, contact Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C. at (205) 322-8880 for a free consultation.
